The annual Mersea Regatta was played out in glorious sunshine on Saturday as day-trippers and seafarers took part in one of the most anticipated community events of the year.

About 100 boats took to the water, and many hundreds more people showed up at the Mersea Regatta, which is has been an annual tradition even longer than one of the most famous Regattas in the country, the Henley Regatta.

Gazette: Hard work of it – teamwork suddenly becomes a more attractive optionHard work of it – teamwork suddenly becomes a more attractive option

Whereas the Henley Regatta was first held in 1839, the Mersea Regatta first took place a year before in 1838 – and 184 years on from the first event, participants revelled in the friendly competition which saw rowers take to the waters blindfolded in one event, and participants use shovels to paddle instead of oars.

Gazette: Leap of faith – some were keener than others to take the plunge in the waterLeap of faith – some were keener than others to take the plunge in the water

The day ended with perhaps the most popular event of all, the walking of the greasy pole, where competitors vie for a red flag which is placed, awkwardly, at the end of a greased pole.

The event makes for plenty of thrills and spills for spectators, with the participant who fetches the flag in the quickest time receiving a leg of lamb as their reward.

Gazette: Life's about a dream – some took a more relaxed approach to the day's activitiesLife's about a dream – some took a more relaxed approach to the day's activities

Pat Dawson, who is the master of ceremonies throughout the day, has enjoyed a long love affair with the Mersea Regatta, having first witnessed the event in the early 1960s when he was five years old.

He said: “The greasy pole is the most popular event of all [because] it’s very unique – it’s very unusual for an event to have a flag at the end of a pole with grease on it.

Gazette: Maximum speed – teams toiled in the sun, but had plenty of water around them to cool off inMaximum speed – teams toiled in the sun, but had plenty of water around them to cool off in

“You easily get more than 100 people entering, and there’s a leg of lamb from the local butcher, where my wife works – it’s just a fantastic day, really.”

Organised entirely by volunteers, entries for the races and greasy pole competition are free of charge.

Gazette: Rowing blind – one participant takes an alternative method of getting out of the sunRowing blind – one participant takes an alternative method of getting out of the sun

Mr Dawson, who is 56, runs his own handyman business, but one senses the Mersea Regatta is his true passion.

Gazette: Teamwork – one team battles gamely through the calm watersTeamwork – one team battles gamely through the calm waters

“I know I’m blowing my own trumpet a bit, but I think all the volunteers deserve it.”